UPPP
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) has long been the workhorse of sleep apnea procedures. In the contemporary era, I prefer to share the concept of Uvulo “Preservation” Pharyngoplasty (still UPPP!) with patients and colleagues.
Preservation of the upper airway muscles is key to an effective, functional outcome. Muscle preservation optimizes efficacy of other sleep surgery when needed, and enhances peri-operative myofunctional therapy.
Palatopharyngoplasty resolves concentric collapse of the velum, which has important implications for patients continuing to upper airway (hypoglossal nerve) stimulation.